Question for 3rd grade teachers and parents...

[shelly3girls]

I am very concerned that my DDs 3rd grade math class is not where it should be. Honestly, she is bored to death. The curriculum is focusing on logic, problem solving, place value, etc. to the point of pushing aside some of the basics. They are only up to the 5's tables in multiplication. The stuff is so easy for her she has gotten a 100 on every paper, quiz and test (except for one where she didn't read the directions). After looking at a state testing sample I realize that they are teaching to the test. I know other districts in the area who are well beyond what DD is doing but interestingly our district scores the highest on the state test every year.

I don't really care about the state test. I care that DD is challenged and continues to love math. Right now I fear she will begin to hate it b/c of the monotony. Where are your 3rd graders? I hear most are doing long division by now.

 

[Mkrop]

Not at DS10's school they arent on long division yet.

DS10 is in 4th but I was just talking to a friend of mine with a DS in 3rd and they just started the 6xs table.

Talk to the teacher and see if she can be given more stuff to work on. Ask her if it is a problem, if your DD is bored.

DS does very well, and I am always checking with the teachers to see if he is bored, he isnt bc they give him other work to do or they get him to help with other kids who are struggling. He actually likes this. It is a great source of pride for him. I also think it helps him put into perspective for him that not everyone has it easy.

I also posted this on another thread about DS helping the other kids and a teacher posted back that this is not only a leadership tool but it really reinforces the subject material bc it teaches you to explain it to someone else and puts a different spin on learning.

Hope this helps. GL.

 

[shelly3girls]

Thank you, that helps a lot. I emailed her teacher and asked her advice. At this point the teacher does not let her participate in lessons. She told her in front of the class that everyone knows that she knows the answers so she will not call on her. She only lets DD answer if no one else can. I understand why she does it and don't necessarily have a problem with it but I think DDs skills could be utilized in the way you described. Now that I think about it, last year's teacher had her do this and she didn't seem as bored.

 

[laceemouse]

I am the mom of four kids, all past 3rd grade (youngest is 4th grade.) We we in public school for many, many years. We moved several times but were always in highly rated districts with high test scores. My older two girls were always in gifted programs. About 3 years ago we pulled all 4 out to home school, but that is not the focus of this post so don't worry.
You just have to get used to the fact that the pendulum swings back and forth as far as how every subject is taught and school districts will change their curriculum and focus with alarming rates!
There are several philosophies about how math should be taught ranging from straight memorizing facts to learning the reason behind every little detail of what is done. The problem with school in general is they will adapt a certain philosophy which teaches to a certain learning style and teach it to the entire class (or district) without regard to what works best for each child. This is only the beginning of your questioning, believe me.
When our kids were in school we also hated the style of math your child is being taught. Some experts swear by it though.
My main concern was also that my kids would lose their love of learning, I hear you on that one.
If I were you I would talk to the teacher about my concerns. Then you may feel like you need to buy some other type of program and work with her at home. Of course, she may hate it and that could backfire too.
Good luck! I would not worry too much about her being "behind" though. They most certainly will get around to all of the necessary stuff she needs to know!

 

[Mkrop]

Thank you, that helps a lot. I emailed her teacher and asked her advice. At this point the teacher does not let her participate in lessons. She told her in front of the class that everyone knows that she knows the answers so she will not call on her. She only lets DD answer if no one else can. I understand why she does it and don't necessarily have a problem with it but I think DDs skills could be utilized in the way you described. Now that I think about it, last year's teacher had her do this and she didn't seem as bored.

I know this frustation about not being able to answer. In 4th grade they play "Who want to be a Millionare" well DS10 was everybody's PHONE A FRIEND. Well it got crazy no one was calling anyone else, so the teacher put his line on "busy". Well at first I was annoyed but after thinking about ti I saw her point. And now he is back to having his line open.

 

[tzolkin]

there should be things your DD can do to be challenged. at the very least i would think the teacher would offer her supplemental work to do.

is she in the same class with the same teacher all day? at my DD's school they switch for math and reading. there are 3 teachers in each grade and thus 3 separate math and reading class levels, so the kids can do extra skills or learn in ways that are easier for them. when she was in 1st grade she would go to 2nd grade during the reading time. it wasnt noticable to the other kids because everyone was switching classes at that time anyway. her teachers also gave her some individual attention during the week (they did this for each student while the others were working on an assignment) and extra worksheets or books or even just added a question to an assignment that everyone had. i have been really impressed with how every teacher has gone out of their way to work with her.

i had a really horrible experience with elem school. i was way ahead and bored. instead of challenging me, my teachers would let me play on the computer or read a book or organize the cubbies or i just sat there and didnt answer any questions. i was extremely polite and quiet, so i think i was somewhat ignored because i was so good. other kids that are bored in school often misbehave. if your DD is not acting out in class, her teacher may not feel any need to address her boredom.

good luck. i know it can be frustrating.

 

[shelly3girls]

Our school does not do math groups. They did in the past but not now. Last year they sent advanced 3rd graders to 4th for a more advanced curriculum but they stopped doing it. I asked her teacher a couple of months ago but she just sent me websites to work on at home. I know I can work at home with her but am I wrong to think the school should address her need? It makes no sense to me that the whole class does math together. How can that possibly address all the needs? They are teaching to the average and forgetting about everyone else. If they have reading groups why can't they have math groups?

 

[Mkrop]

Our school does not group until the higher grades. Next year 5th DS will be eligible for Honors Math.

 

[laughinplace199]

My DD is in 3rd grade too. They are just starting division now. In her school, they break the kids up into three different groups for reading and for math. I think the other two math groups may still be finishing up multiplication, but they'll be doing division soon.

 

[camouseketeer]

3rd grade basic math curriculum:

place value through the millions place
telling time to the minute
money value of all coins and bills
making change
+/- of five digit numbers
mult/div facts through 9
multiplication of 3 digit by 1 digit numbers
long division of 2 or 3 digit by 1 digit (this happens at the end of the year)
understanding fractions
recognizing equivalent fractions if given an illustration
recognizing decimals to the hundredth place

Your child's curriculum seems on track if they are on their multiplication facts.

This does not mean that your child should not be challenged.

I always wanted to stretch my students horizontally instead of vertically. This means adding more work with logic, problem solving, and number sense that use third grade skills rather than just moving on to fourth grade long division, etc.

Marcy Cook is a great writer of elementary level problem solving that does exactly that. Google her if you're interested.

The curriculum is focusing on logic, problem solving, place value, etc. to the point of pushing aside some of the basics.

This quote is interesting. Why is this bothersome to you if your DD knows the basics already. Wouldn't this be the type of curriculum you'd want for your child if she already knows her facts?

Bottom line, your child should have a curriculum that fosters a love of math and mathematical exploration. Talk to your DD's teacher if it doesn't.

 

[Thats_for_Shore]

My DS is in third grade. He has done the decimals, the time to the minute, worked on fractions a little, the money thing, he's passed 1 - 12 multiplication tables, is multiplying a two - three number digit by a single digit, and they're sort of working their way up to understanding division at the moment. He's an A student, and thinks all this stuff is easy, peasy.

The school he attends is very small, and gets one of the highest test ratings in the state. And they only have one math class, all of the students are together. DS doesn't have the option of "moving up."

So I can feel your pain. What I have done with DS is tell him how wonderful he is at math, how great he is at it. This has helped him build up this little bit of pride. He likes knowing he's good at it, and that feeling keeps him from getting bored.

 

[Mkrop]

My DS is in third grade. He has done the decimals, the time to the minute, worked on fractions a little, the money thing, he's passed 1 - 12 multiplication tables, is multiplying a two - three number digit by a single digit, and they're sort of working their way up to understanding division at the moment. He's an A student, and thinks all this stuff is easy, peasy.

The school he attends is very small, and gets one of the highest test ratings in the state. And they only have one math class, all of the students are together. DS doesn't have the option of "moving up."

So I can feel your pain. What I have done with DS is tell him how wonderful he is at math, how great he is at it. This has helped him build up this little bit of pride. He likes knowing he's good at it, and that feeling keeps him from getting bored.

DS says this all the time about his tests. It cracks me up

 

[shelly3girls]

Marcy Cook is a great writer of elementary level problem solving that does exactly that. Google her if you're interested.



This quote is interesting. Why is this bothersome to you if your DD knows the basics already. Wouldn't this be the type of curriculum you'd want for your child if she already knows her facts?

Bottom line, your child should have a curriculum that fosters a love of math and mathematical exploration. Talk to your DD's teacher if it doesn't.

Thank you, I will look into Cook. What bothers me about what they are doing is that it is a very basic level. I greatly value these skills and given that I specialize in a field that focuses on these skills I acknowledge their importance. What worries me is that every child receives the same problems no matter what their ability is. I know from another teacher that the curriculum actually offers supplement problems for more advanced students but the teacher does not offer it to any of the students. In addition I think that the children who have mastered the skills to the level required in 3rd grade should be offered the possibility of moving on. I do not think the school is doing their job if my daughter sits in class where she is not allowed to answer doing problems she mastered months ago. I have to think that she is not the only one and somehow in a classroom of 21 students with 2 full time teachers they should have the time to address these needs. Maybe I am wrong, I do not claim to be a teacher or even understand all of the challenges they face. I just want the best for my child. I am even willing to enroll her in a program outside of school if necessary. It is hard for me to see my DD with such a thirst for knowledge not receive what she asks for.

 

[shelly3girls]

I should also add that my real concern is that the class is not covering what they should be covering. I really do not know what is covered in 3rd grade except what I hear from friends in other districts. I was concerned b/c the other classes have covered everything my DD has covered plus multiplying in the hundreds and long division. Maybe they are just advanced, that is why I am interested to hear what every other 3rd grader is doing. If she is going at the same pace as most other schools then I can accept that. If she is not going at the same pace then I want to investigate further.

I think much of my fear comes from her 2nd grade teacher who finished the year 5 units behind where she was supposed to. DD never saw re-grouping when the other class in the same school did. Fortunately she knew it from her private 1st grade but now all the other kids are struggling. I don't want that to happen this year. We moved her to this district b/c it is known as a high academic district. I realize though that it does not mean that I will not run into a teacher who does not cover what she should. I want to be informed so I know what I am facing.

 

[kydisneyfans]

Our 3rd grader is going 6's and 7's on the multiplication tables right now. Division has not been taught yet. All other things listed in that curriculum above have been done. All children are taught on the same level.

Our biggest problem is that the regular teacher left over Christmas Break for maternity leave and a 25 year experienced 5th grade teacher has taken over for the next 8-12 weeks. The expectations and teaching methods have changes and our child is having problems making the adjustment. Grades have dropped from the mostly A and a few B's level to the B-C area.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Our 3rd grader has finished multiplication and is doing long division and fractions. They also do logic problems. They have multiplied double digits together. It all has to be covered in the standard 3rd grade curriculum, so you'll get there! Do you have gifted/talented pullout? DD8 finds her regular math class very easy (she has taught herself decimals and percentages, but they have not covered them in class yet), but she is challenged with the math problems in the gifted program. They use the Continental Math Leaque logic problems (don't know if that is national or not), and she is challenged by them. They just started CML a few weeks ago, so I suspect it will become easier as she learns to think in that manner.

 

[Aristomommy]

In our school system, the 3rd grade can be excruciating to an advanced student, because of the achievement test that year. This causes an unreasonable amount of repetition to drill math facts into the students that need catching up. DD was finally pulled out for gifted math, but still felt unchallenged. Now in 4th grade, we supplement at home with our own stuff and she is content. Her teacher is also excellent this year and keeps her working hard.

I would suggest if you can bring in supplemental materials for your child if she gets done fast or has already mastered something. This would keep her working hard and interested. I am always afraid that DD is not challenged, because at some point she will encounter hard classes and I don't want her to become overly frustrated.

 

[JulieNMM]

My DS is in 3rd grade and he is doing 6s or 7s times tables right now. Sounds like a lot of 3rd graders are doing exactly that this week!

Good luck!
JULIE

 

[camouseketeer]

Clearly your child needs more mathematical stimulation.

I certainly understand the desire to move on to 4th grade work, and in many schools that is what is done.

Since it's not in yours, here are some ways your DD can be stimulated:

These all come from Marcy Cook.
Have her work on mental math. Give her the following problems ORALLY:
Start with the largest 2-digit number that does not contain a 9
Divide by 2
Plus 1
Divide by 9
Add half a dozen
Subtract 4
Multiply by 7
Plus 2
Minus 1
What multiple of 10 did you get? (50)

Give her a 100 chart (numbers 1 - 100 on a 10 x 10 grid)
Tell her to find the 4 numbers that fit the following clues.

Each number is

on the left hand of the 100 chart
is between 35 and 70
contains at least one digit less than 5
are odd numbers
have the sum of the digits between 5 and 9

The four numbers that fit all the clues are 43, 51, 53, 61

Ask her to tell you a question whose answer could be
12
9
10
0
1


These are examples of ways you can stretch her horizontally (ie within her own 3rd grade curriculum) if you're not able to push her ahead to the next grade level's curriculum.

 

[kcromley]

mom of a third grader here. I guess I feel that all the kids will spend their first six years in school learning basic arithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, fractions, decimals)-basic mechanical skills needed to lay the foundation for more abstract mathematics, like algebra, which isn't introduced until 7th grade at the earliest, to allow time for brain maturation into more abstract thought. As long as they master the mechanical skills before then, I'm not sure it really makes any difference exactly when they are taught-late first, mid-second, early-third grade, or later. In the unusual event that the kids are really ready to move on to algebra earlier, they often teach it to themselves at that point. I love the idea of horizontal enrichment-it keeps kids stimulated and happy!